Ready To Kindle

For quite some time I have been hearing about e-books and how they are going to revolutionize publishing and reading. I have been a skeptic because I love books and the way they feel and smell and look. I collect old books. How could e-books ever replace that experience?





I recently stumbled across a discovery that made me sit up and take notice. I knew that e-books were supposed to be cheaper than their print counterparts, but I wasn't aware of the huge amount of free books that are available. Over 1.8 million free, out-of-copyright, pre-1923 books are available to read on Kindle. As I browsed through what was available I was amazed. There were so many books that I would not have ever been able to even see a copy of much less read. I love history, and the amount of historical material that is available is staggering. To get an idea of what is available go here.


You don't have to buy an e-book reader to gain access to this amazing treasure. Kindle provides free apps for the i-Phone and i-Pad, Windows and Mac PC's, and Blackberry phones. You can download the free Kindle Apps here. I have used Gina's i-Phone, and it is amazingly easy to read from. Since I downloaded the apps last Thursday I have already read:
The Truth About Henry Ford by Sarah T. Bushnell
Lincoln Letters by Abraham Lincoln
Narrative Of The Life Of J.D. Green, a Runaway Slave by Jacob D. Green
Slave Narratives: a Folk History of Slavery in the United States from Interviews with Former Slaves.

The Kindle is slim: Just over 1/3 of an inch, as thin as most magazines

It is lightweight: At 10.2 ounces, lighter than a typical paperback

You can be reading in under 60 seconds: Get books delivered wirelessly in less than 60 seconds; no PC required

Includes 3G Wireless: 3G wireless lets you download books right from your Kindle; no annual contracts, no monthly fees.

The Kindle has a Paper-Like Display: Reads like real paper without glare, even in bright sunlight

You can carry your library wherever you go: The Kindel holds up to 1,500 books

With the experimental Text-to-Speech feature, Kindle can read newspapers, magazines, blogs, and books out loud to you.

With Kindle you get free book samples: Download and read first chapters for free before you decide to buy

I just had to have a Kindle so I ordered one last Thursday. It came today, and I have been pleased with it. I spent most of the evening reading on it, and it is a pleasurable experience. I think that I am going to like it. It's not the same as holding a book in your hands, but the convenience more than makes up for that.

I've gotta go. So many books and so little time. I think I am going to read Ben Franklin's Autobiography next.